is it better to buy a fish from a store or internet?

Answer 1

Well id say none, I think its better to buy them from breeders, because pet shops dont really know how to take care of fish and if you get them from the internet, They could die in transit and you dont know there background, As where as breeders will probibly know what there doing and have heatlhy water.

Answer 2

I'd have to agree with ally - what you can buy from a breeder or from a local aquarium club (they often hold auctions) will be far better than what you see for sale in stores. Just look on Aquabid.com to see the photos of the species you want to see how different the fish can be.

But given the choice of store or internet, I would go with the store. At least I can see the fish, determine if it's healthy, it's gender (if that's important at the time) if it's eating, and I can take it home right then.

With buying on the internet, you might be able to make choices as far as gender, but the choice of the fish is up to the retailer. Plus things can get held up in shipping, and you don't know how the fish will arrive. If I do get fish this way, it's usually something unusual that my local stores don't carry. And I always look for a place that guarantees live delivery (just in case).

Answer 3

I've never bought fish online, but have read on forums a lot of people that have with good results. Usually they'll use either Aqua bid or Live Aquaria. Live Aquaria seems to be pretty reputable, I do believe they guarantee their fish will arrive alive as well. I wouldn't mind doing this, but the shipping is so expensive IMO.

I buy my fish at the store, and yes it has it's good points, you can see the fish before hand to make sure it's healthy, plus the other fish in the other tanks. However, that's not necessarily a guarantee that the fish IS healthy I've found. Someone mentioned checking with local breeders and such, I think that's probably the best way to go. I think a breeder is going to care better for their fish then a store(especially chain stores), and breeders are going to keep/sell their "better" quality fish rather then sell those to the stores for resale.

Answer 4

If i had a choice out of them 2 i would say the store. Because I like to see what i buy. And pick it out, there are so many different color and variation. And I think paying shipping for live fish is to costly. ALot of pet stores have a rule that in so many days if your fish dies You can bring it back and they will refund or give you another. Internet does to but just seems like a lot of bother, When I go to store I can get my fish right and not wait for it to come in mail. I buy from store all the time and they do really good. I have never brought Internet so i really can't give a true answer to why not to buy off line.

Answer 5

Buy it from a store where you can get special advice, observe the fish with other fish and always have a place to buy supplies and food appropriate for your fish. Internet fish may not travel well and will have a harder time adjusting to its new surroundings.

Answer 6

From the store, because during shipping, the fish is not feed, you can but a fish online, but i would only buy it if you can't find it at your local pet store.
Good Luck

2N!$H

Answer 7

i prefer store, i can examine the fish and ask question about them, yes alot of stores can be pushy or not know what there talking about but the cure to that is dont buy from that store. the only time i shoponline for livestock is a great colored coral or if i cannot find what i want local

Answer 8

I think the shop is the better option as you can see the exact fish you are buying and you can also see it's tank mates and if they look healthy or not.

Answer 9

Walmart had good deals on kits or you could try craigslist. Do you have a Petco nearby? Their prices are kind of high on their tank kits but when they have one on clearance its usually a pretty good deal. I got the Eclipse 12 there for $60 and its normally about $100.

Answer 10

I would go for the shop so you could see the size and what it actually is like.
It also may look ill or dying.
You would also have more variation and you would be given tips on each fish.